Aaron Judge partnership helps Illinois teen baseball team score first big win of summer originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The newest Aaron Judge product won’t officially hit shelves nationwide until later this month, but one Illinois baseball team already got an early taste. And it may have helped kick off a pretty memorable day.
There are certain traditions that connect every level of baseball. Whether it’s a Little League field, a high school diamond, or Yankee Stadium, sunflower seeds have long been part of the game. That’s what made a recent opportunity for the Potters2029 baseball team feel a little different.
While Judge continues building his legacy with the New York Yankees, the three-time American League MVP is also partnering with DAVID Seeds on a new product called “The Judge Pack,” a limited-edition bag of DAVID Jumbo Sweet & Spicy Sunflower Seeds featuring Judge himself on the packaging.
Before the product began appearing at retailers nationwide, one youth baseball team in Morton, Illinois, was selected to be among the first to try it.
From Aaron Judge’s Dugout to Morton, Illinois
This summer, DAVID Seeds is teaming up with generational powerhouse and pinstripe icon, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees to bring baseball fans The Judge Pack, a limited-edition collab featuring DAVID Jumbo Sweet & Spicy Sunflower Seeds with Judge himself on-pack.
A fresh take on a grand-slam staple, at only $4.99, this major league snack will begin hitting stocked at major retailers nationwide (and fields) this month, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the All Rise Foundation to help inspire and empower kids to lead, learn, and thrive.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the DAVID Seeds team,” said Judge, now in his 11th season in New York. “DAVID Seeds have been a part of my gameday for as long as I’ve played baseball, and I’m excited that we’re working together to help support some great kids.”
The mission behind the partnership goes beyond baseball. Judge’s All Rise Foundation, which he launched with his mother in 2018, focuses on helping young people through education, leadership development and community programs.
That made the partnership feel especially fitting when it found its way into a youth baseball dugout.
Thank you @davidseeds along with @thejudge44 and @allriseofficial for powering the Potters2029 squad to a season opening victory. We appreciate the gift and partnership! #gifted from @Davidseedspic.twitter.com/un2173kAw9
— Morton Potters Baseball 2029 (@Potters2029Bsb) June 3, 2026
A Summer Opener to Remember
The Potters2029 team didn’t just get an early look at Judge’s newest collaboration. They also opened their summer season with a dominant performance.
Playing at Mike McDonald Field at beautiful Westwood Park in Morton, the 15U squad rolled to a 12-2 victory against a rival Washington2029, turning what was already a special day into an even better one. For a group of players who have grown up watching Judge become one of baseball’s biggest stars, being selected as one of the original testing groups added a unique connection to the game they love.
Head coach Will McMillan watched his team enjoy the experience while doing what every coach hopes to see during the opening days of summer baseball: players having fun, competing hard and finding success on the field. The scene couldn’t have been much more fitting. A summer evening at one of central Illinois’ top baseball facilities. A dugout full of young players. And a baseball product tied to one of the game’s most recognizable names.
The Dugout Reviews Are In
Of course, no baseball product truly survives its first test without feedback from the dugout.
The early reviews were positive.
Assistant coach Brayton Boss offered a straightforward scouting report.
“I really enjoyed the seeds,” Boss said.
Morton High School Class of 2029 pitcher, catcher and third baseman Jonah Knuppel agreed.
“Had a good taste,” Knuppel said.
Simple. Honest. Exactly the kind of review you’d expect from a baseball dugout.
More Than Just Another Endorsement
Judge has become one of the most marketable players in professional sports, but this partnership carries a deeper purpose than simply launching another product. A portion of every Judge Pack sold will support the All Rise Foundation, helping create opportunities for young people across the country.
It’s part of a commitment Judge has maintained throughout his career, one that earned him the Roberto Clemente Award in 2023, one of Major League Baseball’s highest honors for community service and humanitarian efforts.
For DAVID Seeds, the partnership connects one of baseball’s most iconic snacks with one of baseball’s biggest stars.
For Judge, it’s another opportunity to make an impact away from the field.
And for one youth baseball team in Morton, Illinois, it already became part of a summer memory they’ll likely remember for a long time.
Not every day starts with Aaron Judge.
Not every day ends with a 12-2 win.
For the Potters2029, this one happened to include both.
For more
For more on the partnership, follow @DavidSeeds on social media and look for #gifted from @DavidSeeds for other opportunities. For the Potters2029, you can follow along and see how much Judge’s own personal success rubbed off on them via their account on X at @Potters2029Bsb.